LANSING -- Teachers will have to contribute to their pensions, after a Michigan Court of Appeals panel rejected a challenge from state teachers' unions.

The unions contended that changes to state law requiring the contributions were contrary to promises made in pamphlets, brochures and other documents regarding the retirement system.

Judge Kirsten F. Kelly wrote in the appellate ruling that information published by the state about the retirement system did not constitute a contract overruling the changes lawmakers approved to the system.

"The pamphlets and brochures were simply an informational explanation of the then-existing formula; the state was not bound, in perpetuity, by its contents. Importantly, the disclaimers contained within each of the documents plainly demonstrates that the Retirement System manifested no intent to be contractually bound by the formula and clearly warned that pensions were a product of legislation, which was subject to change at any time," Kelly wrote.

The appeals court also held that while the state constitution protects already-earned pension benefits from being altered, it does not prevent the legislature from making changes to benefits that will be earned in the future.

A due process claim was also rejected by the appeals court, which held that the changes are related to a legitimate government purpose and therefore do not violate the state or federal constitution.

"It is undisputed that in recent years public schools have been required to remit increasingly higher percentages of their payrolls to pay for the healthcare of retirees and their dependents. Healthcare costs are expected to continue to rise in the future. By seeking voluntary participation from members, the statute rationally relates to the legitimate governmental purpose of maintaining healthcare benefits for retirees while easing financial pressures on public schools," Kelly wrote.

AFT-Michigan president David Hecker called the decision a "let down" for teachers in a statement. "Republicans appear bent on pulling the rug out from under the women and men who have devoted their lives to educating our children, breaking the promises made to them by the state for decades. This just makes it even more clear how badly we need leaders who will promote a secure retirement for Michigan's working families, not take it away from them."